Fraserville, in Dan's cogitations, might, as Bassett's star rose, prove to be another Springfield or Fremont or Canton, shrouding a planet destined to a brilliant course toward the zenith.

He did not doubt that Bassett's plans were well-laid; the state senator was farseeing and shrewd, and by attaching himself to this man, whose prospects were so bright, he would shine in the reflected glory of his successes.

And the flattery of the offer was not in itself without its magic.
However, as the days passed Dan was glad that he had taken time for reflection.

He began to minimize the advantages of the proposed relationship, and to ponder the ways in which it would compel a certain self-effacement.

He had sufficient imagination to color the various scenes in which he saw himself Bassett's "man." In moods of self-analysis he knew his nature to be sensitive, with an emotional side whose expressions now and then surprised him.